MASON CITY – A Minnesota man who stands accused of third offense drunk driving and rolling his SUV on a Mason City street with his young daughter inside – and then leaving the scene for a stop at Buffalo Wild Wings – will finally stand trial next week, as things stand now.
Anthony Lynn Lathrop, age 40, of Chaska, Minnesota, was to stand trial a number of times leading up to July 8th, but another continuance has pushed his trial back to July 22nd. Lathrop is accused of third offense operating under influence, child endangerment, open container of alcohol, and no driver’s license. He has pleaded not guilty, waived his right to a speedy trial and is represented by a public defender.
According to police, on the afternoon of March 27th, 2014, deputies with the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office responded to a one-car accident at the 1500 block of Mallard Avenue, between the Avenue of the Saints and southwest Mason City.
According to sources at the scene, when the deputies and Mason City Fire Department responded to the scene, they were told that the driver (Lathrop) and passenger (his 7-year-old daughter) of a damaged black Chevy Tahoe in a ditch had left and taken a ride to Buffalo Wild Wings in Mason City.
A deputy proceeded to go to Buffalo Wild Wings to bring them back to the accident scene.
The SUV was northbound when it lost control, going into the went ditch, hitting a snow bank. It continued in the ditch when it hit another snow bank, when it appeared to have flipped and slid to a stop on its side.
A deputy at the scene commented, “It’s strange. This is the second accident we’ve had today. It’s not slick… it’s wet, but it’s not slippery.”
Soon thereafter, Lathrop was placed under arrest. He and his seven-year-old daughter, Samantha, were checked by medics at the scene. He posted $5,000 surety bond the day after the accident and has been free ever since.
SUBJECT IS INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY
I was not checked by medics, my father was not drunk driving. It was slippery as hell. I hope you all know my father is a amazing person and this is not true at all, I was there!